KENNEBUNK — Staff members of the Middle School of the Kennebunks showed up in force Monday to demand that the school board take action in addressing ongoing air quality issues at the school.
Several teachers addressed the Regional School Unit 21 school board to share their experiences of respiratory illness that they believe is caused by mold at the school. The building, constructed in 2002, has had ongoing water intrusion issues reportedly due to poor construction.
Harriman Associates and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted several studies this spring and summer and did not find a prevalence of mold or poor air quality, but health complaints have persisted. Early this year, more than 60 staff members at the school drafted a letter to the district complaining that their health was being negatively affected by the building.
Mark Cloutier, a Portland attorney representing the staff of MSK, spoke to the board at length about his clients’ concerns Monday, saying that multiple documented respiratory problems among staff are evidence enough that remediation work on the building is necessary.
“Perhaps some of you are not aware of how sick we are. We’re way sicker than you realize,” said art teacher Mary McCarthy, who addressed the board in a hoarse voice. “I want you, because I know you, to hear it from me because we are getting sicker.”
McCarthy said the district’s inaction has been “pure negligence.”
Teacher Tom Battles told the board he was diagnosed with lung disease one year ago after NIOSH found mold in his classroom. After the carpeting was removed from his classroom, he said, he went from 69 percent lung capacity to 100 percent. Even so, Battles said he expects to be on steroid therapy for the rest of his life.
“People say to you, ”˜Why aren’t you leaving that building?’” said Battles. His reason: “The staff is great. The principal is great.”
Board Vice Chairman Tim Hussey said the finance committee has accepted several recommendations from the NIOSH and Harriman reports, which includes installation of a new roof, some carpet removal and elimination of any visibly wet ceiling tiles.
The board voted Monday to bring forth a referendum question in February seeking voter approval to complete the suggested remediation work using $1 million from the State Revolving Renovation Fund, in the form of a $500,000 grant, and no-interest loan.
“We have significant recommendations for the work that needs to be done and that’s what we’re proposing,” said Superintendent Andrew Dolloff.
So far, about 20 classrooms have had their carpet replaced with tile and two others are scheduled to be replaced during Christmas break. If voters approve the funding, the roof work could begin this spring, he said.
“There just isn’t much money at this juncture,” said Dolloff. “We’re doing a couple rooms by shifting funds around. We’re doing it as aggressively as we can.”
In addition to the recommended measures, Cloutier said the staff would like to see all ceiling tiles replaced, all carpet removed, and have the interior walls opened and checked for mold.
As well, Cloutier asked that the district remove those staff members who have the worst symptoms to another building or a portable unit until the remediation work is completed.
“We are concerned that these measures might prove inadequate,” said Cloutier. “The proposed remediation will take care of the physical component, but there is a human element as well. I would submit that state and federal law requires the board to provide meaningful accommodations without delay.”
Board members did not take any action Monday, but agreed to look into the financial possibilities of quicker remediation efforts at the building. Hussey said more data and discussion is needed before the board takes action. Discussion is slated for the board’s workshop meeting on Dec. 20.
“We will take this very seriously,” he said. “You are our employees and we want you to be healthy.”
— City Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 322 or kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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